Tourism players confident Phl will hit arrival target

CEBU, Philippines - Although the Philippines is threatened by the other Asian countries in terms of attracting significant number of world tourists, some private sector players are confident that the country can meet its arrival target, banking on its attractive destinations and “Its more Fun in the Philippines” proposition.

Hotel, Restaurant, Resorts Association of Cebu (HRRAC) president Hans Hauri said that stakeholders in tourism, both in the public and private sectors, should jointly support the promotion of the country's tourism industry.

“Nevermind what other countries are doing, what differentiates the Philippines from other competitors is ‘Its More fun in the Philipines’. Let’s stay on the course we have planned,” Hauri said adding that the ongoing well applauded campaign will help boost the promotional campaign of the country.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Eric Ng Mendoza also said that while the Philippines is being threatened by other countries, in terms of arrival ranking in tourism, consistent promotion by Filipinos themselves could help attain the projected growth in tourism arrivals in the country.

“The government can only do so much but the private sector can play a significant role in many ways, like by sharing the great in fun experiences in phoos in recommended places,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza believes that the Philippines has great potential to well compete with other countries, especially if Filipinos will start to support the country is pushing tourism.

“Locals are always more effective as good ambassador or marketers for our country,” Mendoza added.

 Businessman and tourism capitalist Jay P. Aldeguer also expressed confidence of the Department of Tourism (DOT) programs led by secretary Ramon Jimenez, saying “there are a lot of things that needs to be done and it seems that DOT is on the right track.”

However, Aldeguer said there are three things that should be given more attention—these are infrastracture; fixing the Philippine’s negative image abroad’ and transportation access.

Emphasizing on the air access issue, Aldeguer said it is very critical.

“Air access is very critical. Its good that our carriers are adding more routes both international and domestic, but we need more international airlines flying into the Philippines,” Aldeguer said.

Also, Aldeguer underscored that the Philippines, through DOT’s leadership should streamline and package the existing offerings to differentiate the Philippines but other destinations.

Meanwhile, alarmed about the recent development that the Philippines is on “alarming” tourism situation compared to other tourism destinations in Asia, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Prudencio Gesta said that the country should focus on their promotion efforts to maximize its potential in tourism.

“All the more Philippines should triple its efforts and not just double time, if we want to capture bigger share of travelling market over our competing neighbors. We must prioritize to improve our infrastructure, and level off with our neighbors, if we are dead serious to attract more tourists,” Gesta said.

“Indeed, we have so many beautiful tourist spots around to offer, but if we dont improve these very basic but important components to make their trip so comfortable, safe and convenient, in most likelihood, they may prioritize other countries,” said Gesta.

DOT is targetting to hit 10-million tourist arrivals by 2016. For this year, the Philippines hopes to achieve 4.2 million in arrivals.  (FREEMAN)